I'm sitting here on, thankfully, a quiet night in Iraq. There's been no IED's or rocket attacks in our vicinity today so I got some time to say hi to everyone. Hope everyone is doing good and is generally happy. This is something my squad leader sent me, read it and laugh or get pissed off, I give less than a rat-shit. Keep giving those Family spiritual cum-recepticles as much hell as humanly possible and enjoy yourself in a society where people have things like soap and sanity cause this part of the world is sadly lacking. Ciao all.

Dear Civilians, "We know that the current state of affairs in our great nation has many civilians up in arms and excited to join the military. For those of you who can't join, you can still lend a hand. Here are a few of the areas where we would like your assistance: 1. The next time you see an adult talking (or wearing a hat) during the playing of the National Anthem---kick their ass.

2. When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest---kick their ass.

3. Regardless of the rank they held while they served, pay the highest amount of respect to all veterans. If you see anyone doing otherwise, quietly pull them aside and explain how these veterans fought for the very freedom they bask in every second. Enlighten them on the many sacrifices these veterans made to make this Nation great. Then hold them down while a disabled veteran kicks their ass.

4. (GUYS) If you were never in the military, DO NOT pretend that you were. Wearing battle dress uniforms (BDU's) or Jungle Fatigues, telling others that you used to be "Special Forces," and collecting GI Joe memorabilia, might have been okay when you were seven years old. Now, it will only make you look stupid and get your ass kicked.

5. Next time you come across an Air Force member, do not ask them, "Do you fly a jet?" Not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot. Such ignorance deserves an ass-kicking (children are exempt).

6. If you witness someone calling the US Coast Guard 'non-military', inform them of their mistake---and kick their ass.

7. Next time Old Glory (the US flag) prances by during a parade, get on your damn feet and pay homage to her by placing your hand over your heart. Quietly thank the military member or veteran lucky enough to be carrying her---of course, failure to do either of those could earn you a severe ass-kicking.

8. Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran. We are Americans, and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party affiliation. Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander-In-Chief (CinC). The President (for those who didn't know) is our CinC regardless of political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those representatives meet. All we know is that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they call upon the military to go straighten it out. If you keep asking us the same stupid questions repeatedly, you will get your ass kicked!

9. 'Your mama wears combat boots' never made sense to me---stop saying it! If she did, she would most likely be a vet and therefore, could kick your ass!

10. Bin Laden and the Taliban are not Communists, so stop saying 'Let's go kill those Commies!' And stop asking us where he is! Crystal balls are not standard issue in the military. That reminds me---if you see anyone calling those damn psychic phone numbers, let me know, so I can go kick their ass!

11. 'Fly-boy' (Air Force), 'Jar-head' (Marines), 'Grunt' (Army), 'Squid' (Navy), 'Puddle Jumpers' (Coast Guard), etc., are terms of endearment we use describing each other. Unless you are a service member or vet, you have not earned the right to use them. That could get your ass kicked.

12. Last, but not least, whether or not you become a member of the military, support our troops and their families. Every Thanksgiving and religious holiday that you enjoy with family and friends, please remember that there are literally thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen far from home wishing they could be with their families. Thank God for our military and the sacrifices they make every day. Without them, our country would get it's ass kicked."

13. "It is the Veteran, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. "It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. "It is the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

14. (Please pass this on so I won't have to kick your ass!) :-) "If you can read this, thank a teacher" If you are reading it in English, thank a Veteran"

15. If you ever see anyone either standing for or singing the national anthem in Spanish -

from windMonday, October 02, 2006 - 13:35(Agree/Disagree?)I hope your comments don't reflect the Military because that would be a sad day for freedom and Democracy. We are a melting pot, most of California and a lot of the South West were only acquired by the United states less than 200 years ago. That's only a few generations ago everyone was speaking spanish in a large part of the Nation. So unless your Native American, we are all new here, we should translate the national anthem into every language of every person that makes up this Great Nation. Get rid of your racial bigotry and lack of respect for freedom of speech, your comments are Anti American and don't represent us.(reply to this comment)

From sarafinaMonday, October 02, 2006, 22:26(Agree/Disagree?)While I believe that this article is a joke your right in there is a few things I would like to do, Setting aside a few of the humorous exaggerated things which were pointed out which I don’t agree on, I do have very strong views on a few things for one..

IF I saw some one participate in #2 “When you witness, firsthand, someone burning the American Flag in protest---kick their ass.” I would like to do that,(not that I would) I find it completely disrespectful in any country to burn their flag. If you don’t like that country MOVE.

The other is # 13 “Don't try to discuss politics with a military member or a veteran . We are Americans, and we all bleed the same, regardless of our party affiliation. Our Chain of Command is to include our Commander-In-Chief (CinC). The President (for those who didn't know) is our CinC regardless of political party. We have no inside track on what happens inside those big important buildings where all those representatives meet. All we know is that when those civilian representatives screw up the situation, they call upon the military to go straighten it out”

I have 6 members of my family serving in the military right now 4 have been in Iraq and it is their JOB to obey they do not have the option of saying “you’re full of bull I’m quitting” They are trying to do the best they can, it’s not their, war it’s their job, don’t persecute them for it. They would rather be back with their families, or at home writing opinions on the web like you in the comfort of their home then sleeping in 134 degree heat, being shot at or having mortars flying over head. All they hope is that theya re doing it for some good, and in some way are protecting you.

Last of all I agree with the last one ..

"It is the Veteran, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press. "It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. "It is the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Andy you were there, tell me did it bother to hear others calling you a “murderer, or anti American. just for doing your job? I don’t know why you went to Iraq but I’m assuming you didn’t have much choice wither you agree with the war or not. Will you take that away from them? (speaking to the genral public not andy)I don’t care who you have issues with but until you have fought in a war don’t try and tell those who are that they are “Anti American and don't represent us.” cause wither or not the war represents us or not. Our families do. Most of them are there for us wither it be to support us or get a better education or support their families. You can support them without supporting the war in itself. But don’t ask them to argue moral issues about the war that they can’t indulge in or change till their out. And certainly don’t label them.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHTuesday, October 03, 2006, 15:36(Agree/Disagree?)I never experienced that firsthand, but I've heard some pretty terrible stories. Soldiers volunteer to be the violent arm of their nation. They do not choose when or where that violence will be used. They are not allowed to ask questions. We need our military. They should not be held responsible for the decisions of the government. (reply to this comment)

From ShakaMonday, October 02, 2006, 22:37(Agree/Disagree?)Hey babe, I got up early for a briefing. I'm killing time on the comp till they start but I don't have access to a phone. I'll call you regular time, should be tomorrow morning for you. Love you.(reply to this comment)

From ShakaMonday, October 02, 2006, 22:16(Agree/Disagree?)(Grabs balls and flicks chin up in defiant gesture) Wussup? lol, jk. But jeezus titty fucking christ! It was a joke! Pull your head out your ass and don't take yourself so damn seriously. Friggin' hardcore liberals! Gotta tiptoe in the tulips around you! Political correctness is a plague and should be butt raped at every possible convenience (with no lube). I get my religious and political views from South Park so blame TV.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHMonday, October 02, 2006, 17:38(Agree/Disagree?)Don't you think that the idea that one must think as you do to be a "true American" is folly? I don't understand why you can't maintain your own opinions while respecting those of others. Don't you think that opposing viewpoints are what make this country great? What of the many people whose opinions were considered "un-american" who changed this country for the better?

I don't want to start a flame war with you, I want to know what you think.

From AndyHMonday, October 02, 2006, 19:40(Agree/Disagree?)You're absolutely right. Both wind and Nick are saying that their views are the true "American" views, and that anyone that disagrees is "un-american". I was merely trying to propose that there is no set "American" view, and that those that criticize and just as American as those that dutifully agree.

I'm aware of the tone in which Shaka posted this article, I hope that my first comment was received in the same tone. The scary thing is that what might be humorous chain mail to some, is what others wholeheartedly believe. If this article is taken literally, it suggests people should get their asses kicked for offenses ranging from minor semantics, to expressions of free speech. That's too ridiculous to be taken seriously. What I don't like about this article (and this is not the first time I've seen it) is this attitude of "This is the way it is, anyone who disagrees is stupid." I hate attitudes like that, I hope I never apply such absolutes to any of my opinions.

I stand by my point, political opinion does not qualify or disqualify someone as an American.

Andy, I sent that "Lynndie England: Making Imperialism Fun" to my Brigade XO. The Col. was trying to give a briefing and the good ol' major decides to check his mail while the boss is talking away. Next thing I see is him hunched behind his computer with both hands clamped over his mouth snickering his ass off. The dude actually had tears rolling down his face. It's good to have officers with a sense of humor. He walks over to me afterwards and says, "That's the first time in awhile that a private almost got me in trouble."

Yeah, this article was a joke to me except two things, one being disrespecting veterans who should be held in the highest regard regardless of one's political views. Two being retards who walk around pretending to have been in Special Forces when you can tell from the first couple words out their mouth that they've never been near a uniform. That will likely earn a beatdown just for stupidity. (reply to this comment)

Fuck no! We took it from the Spanish fair and square. We've kicked out every imperialist power and we earned our right to be in charge of this country (I really feel bad about the Indians though, that's just sad). Freedom of speech aside, the song was written by an english-speaking american in English, and should stay in English! If not disrespectful to this country, it's at least disrespectful to the author of the song. I'm all for different cultures, and I am glad we have so many in the US. But why does celebrating your culture mean infringing on someone elses? Sing your freaking national anthem for all I care. But leave ours how it is! I would react the exact same way if I saw an American singing the French national anthem in English. It's just plain rude.

You're completely right about the Native Americans, they're the only ones who have a real claim to this country and we are all new here. But my ancestors that immigrated to the US assimilated without demanding any special rights or translating the national anthem into German, Danish, or Swedish. For all I know, that is. (reply to this comment)

That's really nice that you feel bad about the Indians, Anna. But you have to realize that before Colonists arrived tribes were constantly fighting with each other over the land. America's founding Fathers weren't the bad guys, just the strongest.

From AnnaHMonday, October 02, 2006, 20:37(Agree/Disagree?)I agree Samuel. Alas those were the winds of change and the reason we have this fine country, because they just wouldn't lie down and take our authority. But I mean, they gave them blankets infested with smallpox, massacred them, marched them across the country in horrible conditions where over half of them died...that's pretty bad. I think they deserve all the reparations they can get. I know, I know....where do we draw the line? Then we have to pay off Black people and Japanese people that we put in camps during the war. Bloody Hell, the world is just a mess. I guess we'll just have to accept it and move on with our lives.(reply to this comment)

do you think they will make you stop singing the antham in english? because that would be as absolute as you saying you won't sing it in whatever ...language the migrants use.

In your opinion, whats wrong with the main culture in America right now that the various imigrant populations are unenticed to 'join' fully into it, keeping themselves in areas ie china town , missisipi, deep south etc..

apart from the obvious reason of 'sticking together , like birds of a feather'---why is that so wrong. Isn't it a balance and a matter of mutual respect? rather than a slave-master type situation.

The 'mingeling' which requires respect and tollerance , a compromise, is further hampered by the fact that there is not always the choice on where they end up because of the economy.

No, no, no. You've got it all wrong. I seem to have come across as this nationalistic fascist who wants everyone to look, dress, act, talk like a normal american. That's not what I want at all.

Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing the American victory of the bombardment of Fort McHenry by the British. My main beef with this whole thing is the insult to the author, not to mention all those people who fought in that battle, and all the patriots for whom that song signifies a lot. For some it's the whole country's pride, and a big part of our country is our language. It's one of the only things that most, if not all, Americans have in common. To sing it in spanish is a complete slap in the face. A lot of spanish-speakers had nothing to do with that battle, they are relatively newly arrived. It makes no sense to sing it in Spanish. Why? Why? Why? Why can't they sing it in English?

I'm all for cultures, I love different cultures, but I'm for cultural purity. I don't like this mixing pot where you have to sacrifice your heritage to assimilate to your host country. Of course a certain degree of assimilation is required, but that doesn't mean you can't retain your culture. I want Chinatown, I want Little Tokyo, I want Little Monterrey or Mexicotown or whatever you call it. I think that's wonderful, I wish that my grandparents had retained their culture a little more so that I could get a sense of what it is to be Irish, German, Swedish, Danish, or English. As an American I feel a little displaced. This isn't really my country(Sure, we've been here a very long time but we just stole it from the indians anyway), and none of those countries are truly mine either.

Be whatever you want on a private sphere. When we are talking about a public one however, i.e. going to school, participating in politics, any sort of dealing with the public then you should be able to speak English, you should act in accordance with the acceptable behavior of whatever your host country may be. Because I believe that being an immigrant of that country makes you indebted to that country. How do you show your respect for that culture, that society, that country? By learning the language, and by learning the culture.

This seems just common sense to me, a manner of good upbringing and good manners. When you are a guest in someone's home you comply with their house rules, don't you? If you don't you are rude and probably won't be invited back. Or you can think of it as being a tenant in an apartment building. Sure you can pay the rent, but that doesn't mean you don't have to comply with the rules of the building however small they may be.

When it comes it to it that 51 percent of our population is Spanish and has been here for generations, then maybe I will concede. But for now, majority rules. Sorry.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHMonday, October 02, 2006, 17:41(Agree/Disagree?)Good point. I would love to be surrounded by more Hispanic culture, I love their food, their music, and their women are fucking gorgeous! Normality is dull, let's mix it up a bit. What threat is it really to our country? How would we be any worse for the wear? (reply to this comment)

I am not a patriot, or a nationalist of any sort, but I am a bit of a purist and it seems to me that singing our national anthem in Spanish, a commemoration of our(English-speaking country's) defeat of the British is disrespectful. I also find it even more odd since we were at war with Spain quite a while ago, and defeated them. While many Latinos have served in the military and have earned their right to be a patriot, I still think it's not right. Yes, in singing they are giving respect to our wonderful country that has graciously let them live in it and be a part of our mixing pot of cultures, but wouldn't their respect best be shown in learning our language, a big part of american culture? If you want to sing it in spanish just for fun, whatever...who cares? But if you're really trying to honor our country and pay homage to the people who fought and died to liberate this country, it's a slap in the face to do it something other than our national language.

I'd also like to add that I never would have sang the Spanish anthem in English when I lived in Spain...not that it has words to it.(reply to this comment)

From afflickSunday, October 01, 2006, 15:27(Agree/Disagree?)I grew up in Canada, where the national anthem was sung both in English and French. It wasn't a big deal and I have difficulty comprehending why it is a big deal to Americans to allow a Spanish version. After all, it is a song espousing the virtues of AMERICA. How could a "true American" object to that? (reply to this comment)

Well, good thing I've never claimed to be a true American. Did I mention I'm moving to Canada? Bubbles has invited me. (reply to this comment)

From AnnaHMonday, October 02, 2006, 05:25(Agree/Disagree?)Weren't the french in control of Canada, or major parts of it, in their history? They have a large native french population, that's excusable. The french have probably been there as long as the English if not longer. (reply to this comment)

The French were actually the first to settle in and open up what is now Canada. The British followed and for about 200 years they fought over North America. Finally, in a decisive 15 minute battle at Quebec City in 1759, the British defeated the French forces and took control of what is now Canada.

Modern-day Canada has two official languages, French and English. Visit a Canadian supermarket and you will see all food labels in two languages. All services by the federal government must be provided in both languages. And yes, we sing O Canada in both languages. At national hockey games we often switch between the languages half way through.

Canada also has an official policy of multiculturalism, which contrasts with the American "melting pot" model of assimilation. We value and celebrate the diversity of the many ethnic minorities in our midst.

Anna, your progressive views, which you express so well, are heartening. If you and your family ever want to immigrate here, we will meet you at the border with a steaming bowl of poutine, a dictionary so you can learn how to speak and spell Canadian English (it's "eh?" not "isn't it?", aboot, not about, honour, not honor), and a DVD box set of the hit TV series Corner Gas and Trailer Park Boys. In time, you will learn to love them.(reply to this comment)

Why, thank you. Perhaps one day I'll take you up on your offer. We've actually been thinking about...excuse me, aboot moving to Canada ever since George W. Bush was elected, so that's great! Tim has canadian citizenship so he can get us in. How's the job market for Asian Studies Majors? Is it true we have to live underground during the winter? Not just Asian Studies Majors...I mean everyone.

I'm curious about your policy of multiculturalism...what form does that take? I know Canada is very diverse. I think that's fantastic and look forward to celebrating your many cultures. (reply to this comment)

In the past few years, Canada has been distancing itself from the U.S. administration. We refused to join the war in Iraq, marijuana is de facto decriminalised, and we have same sex marriages. But its sad because now there is a neo con minority federal government whose members get sexually aroused when they smell Dubya's aftershave.

Yeah, it does get cold in the winter, but that's just an opportunity to play outdoor hockey. Nothing like a wind chill of -40 to keep some pep in your game. And then after the game you can go to Tim Horton's and eat some timbits and drink a nice hot double double.

There are a lot of French Canadians, mostly in Quebec. While the French have been there since colonial times, if I correctly recall my history lessons, they were never in control of Canada. That would be England. My sister is more of an expert at Canadian history so she may be able to correct me. Regardless of how long each ethnicity was in Canada, they are both there now. Do they get along perfectly? Hell no. But there have been allowances made for both cultures which works to keep the government functioning on many levels. Now, they are working to incorporate more rights and allowances for the First Nations people (called "American Indians" in the States).

It is progress when we a country works together to acknowledge each other's cultural significance. It is tragic to look back on Latin and South America and see many aspects of their language, their religion and culture replaced by the Spanish with their own. But that was six hundred years ago, maybe we have progressed socially since then? I am not purposing a solution to the immigration problem here in the States, it is a big problem with many issues. I am just pointing out that other countries have found ways to coexist. That's all.(reply to this comment)

from WolfThursday, September 28, 2006 - 01:46(Agree/Disagree?)To those who are saying that a nation cannot have a single cultural identity without a single language: Switzerland has 4 official languages yet a very clear cultural identity.

I think the issue with Spanish and the Mexicans is one of perception: generally speaking, the hard-working reliable Mexicans take the time to learn English, and the lazy leeches are the ones who don't bother. So maybe it's not an issue of language as much as what it represents. (reply to this comment)

The point is that some sort of cultural cohesion IS necessary. Being Swiss myself, I would hardly define Switzerland as having a 'single' cultural identity.

That was why I posed the question below as to what people consider makes one a citizen of a given country. This is a factor which has been largely ignored by the left-wing media and campaigners who continually drone on about 'multi-culturalism', 'asylum seekers' and 'human rights'.

While talking about Switzerland, it is noteworthy that the Swiss have just voted by a 2/3 majority to impose some quite stringent limitations on immigrants and asylum seekers. Of course they already host one of the highest levels of asylum seekers per capita, but I think that citizens and governments throughout Europe are begining to realise that they need to re-evaluate their immigration policies, as what we've got simply isn't working.(reply to this comment)

hospitals and public services couldn't operate with out 'imigration' that is free trade (not fair) and capitolism demands that pople are fluid-nomads-migration- factories instead of farms. comunity breaks down....islolation..

its okay 'living of th efat of the lamb' but you have to be honest about the consequences,,,

you have a uqranian docter (quaified ) and earns 200 a yr in the union , if the markets are opened up why on earth wouldn't a percemtage of the population go to work in a country where the salary is five times higher, most send money back to heir families.

You say; "Being Swiss myself, I would hardly define Switzerland as having a 'single' cultural identity."

isn't that the point that we mingle , not isolate or ghetoise ourselves, setting ourselves apart , wwhich often dehumanises the other sid....absolutes are created,,,good /evil....right/ wrong etc,,, (reply to this comment)

Interesting subject, Dom. I *absolutely* agree with you that social and cultural cohesion is necessary, but I personally think that the ideal of multi-culturalism can be assimilated into a country's cultural milieu without losing the original identity if a balance can be found between encouraging a system that values diversity and one that maintains the pride of the shared national identity. I definitely think that this balance has not yet been found in the UK. I also think that we will never reach the perfect ideal, but we can certainly get closer than where we are now. Interestingly I read a book just yesterday that dealt with this issue and was surprised to find that my thinking is shifting slightly to the right. There is little doubt in my mind that leftist ideology, when carried to the extreme at least, is unrealistic and ultimately unsustainable, but the question of where exactly to draw the line is difficult if not impossible to answer, IMO. I will look forward to some discussion with you and others.

from johnson45Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 06:41(Agree/Disagree?)I like the whole post except for the "kick their ass if they sing the National Anthem in Spanish". Who gives a shit what language someone sings it in? It would be much worse if we stopped singing it altogether. Excuse me while I step up on my soap box.....A-hem.....This country is a melting pot of many different cultures, religions and even languages, and we should embrace them all! (I'm making myself sick)(reply to this comment)

I'm hoping for more days like that for you, and for your safe return home.

And don't pay any attention to Loch.

Stay safe. I'm sure it must be really bad there. I can't get over the fact that every time I look at the weather page in the newspaper, Baghdad is always the hottest world city on the list (of course it's a short list).

That reminds me song of the song in the Basic Training Handbook in Spanish. Berg got in trouble as a teacher for singing a love song to the Mexican girl. He blamed it on his Spanish teacher for teaching him that song.

Usted no me mata con un pistola, usted no me mata con un cuchillo, Pero usted mata me con sus ojos, y a sus labios del coral. Or at least I think that's how it went, the English translation was: You don't kill me with a pistol, you don't kill me with a knife, but you kill me with your eyes, and your lips of coral.

No Andy, I wasn't trying to compare you to Berg. It just made me think of that stupid song from the BTH, and the lame excuse Berg used for hitting on a little Mexican girl. Too bad no one realized what he was up to back then, we'd all be much better off today. Then again, maybe they did take it seriously. He said he "had to do a lot of tall talking (lying) to make it out of that one alive.

I posted it to see if anyone remembered the song.

The only person I would ever compare to Berg is Osama Bin Laden.

It appears to me that you think I don't like you for some reason. I post here for fun, and at the end of the day, most of what I say on here, and what other people say to me, is forgotten.

From AndyHTuesday, September 26, 2006, 13:06(Agree/Disagree?)Not at all, I was just speculating to answer loch's question, and to set myself up to flirt with her.

I also post here for fun. In the past I've been quite a troll, but I'm trying hard to have better netiquette, and not flame people just because I don't agree with them. I also will not respond to flames, and I wont let them get to me.

I think you and I are about as opposite as two people can be, but we wont learning anything from each other by yelling at each other.

Are you saying that you are pro war, and pro america, just because Berg was against it? Isn't that kind of juvenile? Like a 15 yr old who wants to do anything that he is told not to do? Or wear something just because he was told he shouldn't?

Hate what you want. Think what you want. But do it because you hate it all on your own. Hate it from your gut. Its part of learning how to think for yourself.

Are you saying that you are pro war, and pro america, just because Berg was against it? Isn't that kind of juvenile? Wants to do anything that he is told not to do? Or wear something just because he was told he shouldn't?

Hate what you want. Think what you want. But do it because you hate it all on your own. Its part of learning how to think for yourself.

I'm pro war because I've seen the error of my ways. Even in The Family I understood that the American military does a lot of good things around the world, although I didn't support them.

I'm pro America because I live in this country. I love the way people make money through hard work, and move up because of their brainpower and their abilities. I love the way you can think for yourself and no one else can tell you what to think. I love the fact that there are no OHR's, or reactions to everything the government says. Although filing your taxes may seem like an OHR at times, I always get a tax refund so I guess they pay me to do that.

I love being able to watch movies without a recommended list , like Bubble Boy. Yeah, it was stupid, it made fun of people that have a disability and were born without immunities, Indians, bikers, the self righteous, old cab drivers, mud wrestling competitions, and culties. Which kind of reminded me in a humorous way of the cult I grew up in.

You don't need Berg or his psychobabble that still echos around in your head. I know, it's like a fly that won't go away.

and yet

You don't need the government either. Please don't tell yourself that they are there for your good. (reply to this comment)

From AndyHTuesday, September 26, 2006, 13:08(Agree/Disagree?)He's already laid it out in a comment before, although I think that was more the differences between Berg and Bush, but I imagine it would be much of the same.

From AndyHTuesday, September 26, 2006, 21:16(Agree/Disagree?)You missed my point. I was pointing out that your girlfriend could see your second comment, defeating the purpose of cleaning up the first one.

You seem to have trouble understanding which comments belong to who on this site. But I must admit, the 'slightly differing chain of arrows system' could definately be improved.

Here's a hint: Line your mouse up with the edge of the blue arrow, then use the mouse-wheel to scroll down. If the arrow belonging to the comment in question lines up with your mouse, then they weren't replying to you.

To answer your question, I pissed myself laughing at Samuel in aisle two. And a fuckwit is pretty self explanitory really.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHSunday, October 01, 2006, 04:44(Agree/Disagree?)Are you slow? Or are you trying to be funny? You asked if there was a humorous way to tell someone they're hot, I gave an example of a cheesy pickup line. Was this not painfully obvious? At first I thought you realized this and you were just using the opportunity for one of your *hilarious* jokes, but now that you're harping on it, I'm not so sure. (reply to this comment)

From AndyHThursday, September 28, 2006, 21:43(Agree/Disagree?)Oh, I see, you were saying that MY girlfriend might see MY comment. I misunderstood you. You can be hard to follow, or maybe I'm just thick.

I don't have a girlfriend, but if even if I did I wouldn't be afraid to have her see a comment like that. If she's that stuck up, I don't want to date her anyway. (reply to this comment)

From girlfriend donations to the needySaturday, September 30, 2006, 21:40(Agree/Disagree?)Well, I never felt so lucky until now...not really. The wonderful advantage of a girlfriend is there's always someone to bug you about coming to their house to do absolutely nothing except sit around, watch TV, drink absinthe, then sleep over(as I was writing this comment in the college commons, who else would be on the cell trying to get me to come over). But then, I guess we're just friends with benefits. If truth were told, the single life seems quite attractive to me -- I've tried to become just friends twice now, but after the sheer volume of weepy emails, voicemail and calls of why she's not good enough, it turns out easier just to succumb. (reply to this comment)

From ChristianFriday, September 29, 2006, 08:43(Agree/Disagree?)If you were to sing the Chinese national anthem in Japanese in China and anyone understood you they would linch you( well maybe not) but you'd be in big shit. That being said i never understood the point of nationalism in the first place, what has nationalism brought other than racism, hatred and war.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHFriday, September 29, 2006, 14:40(Agree/Disagree?)True, however, I think one can have a sense of national pride without crossing that thin line, but yes, patriotism and racism do tend to go hand in hand. (reply to this comment)

From AndyHMonday, September 25, 2006, 16:57(Agree/Disagree?)Why does it matter? Free country, free expression. Let them sing it however they want.

From FishMonday, September 25, 2006, 19:25(Agree/Disagree?)"Free country"? 'Country' being the operative word. A country that's national language is English. Without some kind of national cultural identity, there wouldn't be a country. Language just happens to be one of the most important cultural items that people identify with.(Topped perhaps only by religion)(reply to this comment)

From AndyHMonday, September 25, 2006, 21:02(Agree/Disagree?)This 'Country' has no official language. This country's population is %12 Hispanic. Thirty-million people in this country speak only Spanish in their home. Although they might face language barriers in many aspects of their lives, they do have every right to translate whatever they want, and sing it if they want. It's called freedom of expression, and it's a very important part of this country's culture.

I agree that language is an important cultural item that people identify with. It would be shame if Hispanic-Americans were made to feel they had to abandon that item, to be part of our society. (reply to this comment)

Precisely my point. While Latin American culture is perhaps similar to Angelo-American culture, it is not the same. If these people want to live in 'our' country, they can kindly leave their Mexican flags behind. They can learn English. They can try to conform to our cultural norms.

This may sound fascist to some of the more hippy inclined, but the alternative would be a country that is not a country. It would hardly even be a corporation. Without commonalities such as language, religion, shared history etc... nations tend to fall apart.

I find it to be disturbing that the number of 'Hispanic' immigrants is being used as an argument for further cultural "diversity", the end result of which will be the destruction of the west as we know it. (reply to this comment)

Seeing as I haven't yet made my point, not sure if I can say that it's 'precisely' the same...

What I'm really trying to find out is in this modern "multi-cultural" age, what do you think defines a citizen of a given country - and what you consider being a "citizen" entails in regards to the rights and services received? In other words, what is the relationship between the individual and the state, and what (formal or informal) laws should govern that relationship?(reply to this comment)

From mugthebugMonday, September 25, 2006, 22:44(Agree/Disagree?)not true the national lanuage of this country is english if my grandparents had to learn english when they migrated to america why can't all the "hispanic-americans" learn it as well. (reply to this comment)

From AndyHMonday, September 25, 2006, 22:54(Agree/Disagree?)I'm afraid I don't understand your rhetoric, if it is indeed rhetoric. Are suggesting that it should be required of immigrants to speak english, as a pre-requisite? That's actually not a bad idea, I don't know how easy it would be.

That's not what I was on about though, I was just saying that I disagree with the notion that people who sing the national anthem in spanish are commiting some sort of wrong and deserve to be physically assaulted.(reply to this comment)

From ShakaTuesday, September 26, 2006, 05:09(Agree/Disagree?)Heh heh, I'm trying to think of how many people I've beaten up from when I was 12 to 19 (the last time I got in a real fight) that actually deserved it and I'm coming to the realization that I was not a very nice person as a teenager. Oops, sorry people who's names I don't remember. If you ever meet me again you get one or two free swings depending on how big you are. (reply to this comment)

From PhoenixkiddTuesday, September 26, 2006, 13:27(Agree/Disagree?)Whoah I think I'd rather just slap your damn jarhead! -- I Know I broke one of your military rules. Maybe you could just kick my ass. Be careful when you are around civilians, these days you could get seriously sued for an innocent good ol punch. (reply to this comment)

Don't worry Loch, everyone knows how the forum works we all know your comment wasn't directed at him. You do know he just posted the above post for the shrill purpose of taunting people like you to get all worked up over nothing? He has an odd sense of humor, believe me I know I'm married to the guy.

Like shaka said in the begining someone else sent him the article and he thought it was funny doesn't mean he goes around kicking people in the ass for everything the article suggest. I certainly know he won't be taking any such "swings" at you. He and Andy are just having fun they happen to be somewhat friends.

Btw I just wanted to say I agree that learning the language of a country you're applying citizenship of should be a prerequisite to optaining that citizenship not just in the USA.(reply to this comment)

From AndyHWednesday, September 27, 2006, 12:15(Agree/Disagree?)That was a direct quote, that's how he said it. Get you facts straight. I'd like to clarify I am *not* a Star Wars Geek, but I can't very well be corrected when I'm right. (reply to this comment)

From AndyHWednesday, September 27, 2006, 12:20(Agree/Disagree?)Maybe it wasn't Yoda, I know it more from hearing allusions to it, rather than from it's original use, which proves I know nothing about Star Wars, Hooray!(reply to this comment)

Okay, Loch, I apologise. I realize now you didn't make that comment to be disrespectful or anything. It just gets me upset when people ARE disrespectful to this country. It reminds me of the way I thought in The Family, which is not something I want to be reminded of. I guess things really got going for me when the arguement over the "Pledge of Allegiance" started and I saw that The Family's policy of teaching American kids not to salute the flag or say the pledge was in line with the atheists and the unpatriotic (not that those two are the same).

I can't understand why anyone, no matter how unpatriotic, would want to burn an American flag.

From lisaWednesday, September 27, 2006, 15:04(Agree/Disagree?)What if you where coming home from a political rally, where there had been much patriotic flag waving and you bundled your little self and all your flags into your gas-guzziling-I-have-the-right-to-destroy-the-world-becuase-I'm-an-american oversized truck and then broke down in a blizzard. I bet then you'd wanna burn a flag. (reply to this comment)

From lisaFriday, September 29, 2006, 09:40(Agree/Disagree?)This is what I love about americans, their so easy to provoke. Rain Child how can I laugh at them and feel superior, becuase they took my comment seriously if you answer them back? (reply to this comment)

My answer to you was written in a jokular mood, Lisa. Surely I am not expecting anyone to give me a big expensive truck. Therefore, you cannot possibly be laughing AT me, but you probably were laughing WITH me.

Respect the fact that the military in general has given you the freedom and the right to say such bullshit.-if you are in the U.s. of course.

I'm on day 301 of my husband being in Iraq. I take offense to the un-patriotic, un-american shit being said. A lot of people are severely affected by this war. i liked the article. I want to kick some serious ass a LOT of times when i see people disrespecting.(reply to this comment)